The SUV is at the mechanic, because they wanted to check it over with a fine tooth comb before they changed the battery and called it good. Therefore, we took the Buick here.
“What are your plans?” Dad asks gruffly.
I know to take it in stride, because there’s press to speak to, and people to coordinate.
“I want to go dancing, but I was waiting for Santo and Levon before deciding,” I say.
“They’re still willing to do that, despite the loss,” Miles says mildly. “Great game by the way.”
Dad glances past me to acknowledge him. It’s not meant in a bad way, his complete focus was on me. He can get tunnel vision at times. I’m used to it.
“Thanks. You too. Everyone played their hearts out. It’s the kind of game I love to see,” Dad says. “Traffic at night isn’t the best in town. Why don’t you grab a ride share so you won’t have to deal with parking?”
“I like that idea,” I say with a nod. “Parking the Buick is hard enough in broad daylight.”
“I know you love that thing, but it reminds me of my mother’s old cars,” Dad chuckles. “It’s built like a tank, though, so there’s that.”
“Is the SUV not drivable yet?” Miles asks.
“They’re making sure it’s not just the battery,” I explain. “Rideshare works. The Quarter always seems to be busy.”
“I’m ready for a week off,” Dad sighs. “If you decide not to come home tonight, text me please.”
I flush as I nod, while Dad looks amused.
“I’m locking up, I’ll bring your computer and backpack home with me so you don’t have to worry about it,” he adds.
“Thank you, let me grab my bag,” I say, walking back into his office.
I can hear Miles and Dad talking in a tone too low for me to hear what they’re saying, so I take my time making sure I have my overnight bag, purse, and phone. If Dad needs to make sure I’ll be safe, then he can say whatever he needs to.
Miles can take it.
“Ready,” I say loudly, coming back out into the hallway.
“You knew,” Dad chuckles.
“You’re not that slick, Dad,” I shrug. “Be careful driving home?”
“Always, kiddo.”
Giving him a hug, I wink at him as he continues to laugh at me, and begin walking away with Miles to find Santo and Levon.
“You know your dad really well,” Miles says, taking my bag from me.
“I know how he works,” I reply. “Even when I was away at college and living with my best friend, I could figure him out. I found a job in New Orleans so I could be closer to him. The job didn’t work out, but it opened different opportunities.”
I watch as Clarice walks quickly past me, her shoulder knocking into mine.
“Yo!” Miles yells, turning his head to follow her. “Watch where you’re going. Your pointy elbows may as well be weapons. Baby, are you okay?”
“You’re being dramatic,” Clarice says, turning to face us. I rub my shoulder because she hit me hard. She’s also a lot taller than I am, and there’s no reason why she should have been walking that close to me. “Kailyn, I have to say that your choice of men is abysmal. What would my father say?”
God, I’m so tired of her. I thankfully don’t see her much, but she’s like the cockroach that you know is waiting to crawl out and annoy you.
“It’s Caelia,” I remind her, pronouncing my name as slowly as possible. “Do you need me to spell it out so you’ll remember? If Friedrick has a problem with my scent matches, then he can call me into his office and tell me himself. Have the night you deserve, Clarice.”
Miles snorts as he wraps his arm around my body, drawing me away from the bitch.
